Art Inspired Drinks & Dinners

Hong Kong Bars and Restaurants Get Arty!

It’s Hong Kong art week, and along with Art Central, Art Basel and the Asia Contemporary Art Show, there are tons of exhibitions and events going on around town. If you’d rather enjoy your art in edible form, then we’ve got you covered. Some of our favourite restaurants and bars are getting into the spirit of things and infusing delicious dishes and drinks with art-inspired touches. Check them out below and take the palate to your palette!

We’re big fans of the spot in Wan Chai and it’s hearty American comfort food. This month, the talented Chef Vinny Lauria has put together an exclusive art menu inspired by awesome Hong Kong artist, Bao Ho. Hong Kong’s ‘Queen of Street Art’ has recently won Secret Walls and has collaborated with a range of different brands. Chef Vinny’s is using elements of Bao’s work and experiences to influence his nose-to-tail style food an arty twist; for $788 (+ 10% service), you’ll feast on dishes such as Scallop Tartare with uni, black garlic, aioli nero, thai chili and nori chips, followed by Pappardelle with Nduja Ragu, charred onions, flowering chives and pecorino fried egg. See the full menu here on Gormei!

The Bostonian’s ‘Elements of Art Menu’, inspired by HK artist Michael Lam, embraces the four elements of earth, wind, fire and water as they take you on a four-course palate-pleasing journey. You’ll be treated to a sea urchin carpaccio, symbolising ‘water’, iberico bellota ham with a poached egg on crumb soil which symbolises ‘earth’ and top off your night with a Van Gogh-inspired cocktail, ‘Starry Night’ ($158).

If you’re a fan of afternoon tea, then you’ll love the arty afternoon tea at AMMO. Guests are encouraged to create their own masterpieces on a board using fruit puree pens – unleash that inner artistic side! What’s more, you can win $500 to spend at AMMO by snapping a pic of your creation and hashtagging #sweetjamammo. Time to get creative…

For something really different, head over to ZUMA for art inspired cocktails and sushi that are sure to tantalise. The sleek Japanese resto is hosting the second Absolut Art Bar, the ‘Spirituality Ashram’, which is inspired by British Artist James Ostrer’s spiritual guide, Guru Jimmy. ZUMA has created some unique, colourful cocktails and maki to match the vibe, and if you show the staff your Art Central or Art Basel ticket, you’ll get to try a complimentary cocktail after your first drink at the bar from 8pm. We’ll see you there for a post art fair tipple!

For a full blown art inspired dinner, there’s no place better than Popsy Modern Kitchen. This trendy new restaurant in The Wellington serves “art meets all day dining” all year round, so of course they’re going all out for Hong Kong Art Week! They’ve teamed up with artist Elisabeth Sonneck to create a truly special Art Basel tasting menu to go with her exhibition, ‘Nuances‘. Each plate will be a work of art, reflecting the bold colours in her work.

Available from now – 23 March at Popsy Modern Kitchen, 5/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.popsymodern.com

A fail-safe option for an awesome meal is Blue Butcher. The service is on point, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is oh so cool. This Art Week, Blue Butcher is featuring art works from Sin Sin Fine Art Gallery, so you can browse as you eat! There will be paintings, mixed media and sculptures all on show from Indonesian artists, and on 24 March there will be a special ‘Day2Day’ exhibition with even more artworks. Don’t miss out this unique display at one of our fave Sheung Wan spots.

Feeling a little stressed out from art fair and gallery hopping all over town? Chill out with some tiki tiki vibes at Honi Honi in Central. They’ve whipped up a special arty cocktail just for the occasion, the ‘Thai Art Basil’. Think vodka, homemade Thai basil syrup, grapefruit juice, lime and blood orange… we’re getting thirsty just thinking about it! Present your Art Basel ticket between 22 – 26 March and you’ll get to try this delicious drink for free. What are you waiting for?

Looking for a little exclusivity in the heart of Hong Kong? KEE Club is one of the coolest members clubs around, and this Art Week they’re opening their doors to everyone for some unique art collaborations and events. On the menu is Chef Roland’s “La Palette” Art Basel Week Menu, which uses a special selection colourful ingredients handpicked by the man himself.

Bring the arty after party back to your own home and order some delightful canapés from Invisible Kitchen. Chef Tom has created three cute little canapés inspired by art works – think Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, modernist checkerboards and the red star of Chinese propaganda posters. These intricate bites are the perfect accompaniment to post-show drinks.

Okay, let’s admit it. We’re pretty much obsessed with all the incredible cocktail concoctions from The Woods. And this Art Week they won’t disappoint with some artfully inspired drinks to whet your whistle. Using the same recognisable polkadots as Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, The Woods will be serving up a dotted White Russian, white chocolate dome… don’t forget to snap a pic for Insta! #DrinkYourArtTheWoods. They’ll also have a special shooter inspired by artist Christopher Wool and a super cool cocktail inspired by Jeff Koon’s “Balloon Dog”.

Available from 21 – 28 March at The Woods, 17 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.thewoods.hk

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Lauren

Lauren is the Senior Editor of Sassy Hong Kong. She was born and raised right here in Hong Kong and loves every part of the city and all its many contrasts. She loves to travel and is always on the look out for the next adventure…